California Department Welcomes First Black Chief

Riverside’s new fire chief pledged to build relationships and mentor employees at a department rebounding from recent turmoil in its leadership.

Michael D. Moore was sworn in Tuesday at the Fox Performing Arts Center to the applause of about 350 Riverside employees, firefighters from other departments, family and friends. He takes over from interim chief Mike Esparza and becomes the city’s 21st fire chief and the department’s first black leader.

“My history is I take care of people, I foster good relationships, I develop people,” Moore, 53, said before taking the oath of office and having his badge pinned on by his wife, Robyne.

Moore was introduced to the fire service as a kid in Long Beach and always thought of it as a possible career, he said in an interview before the ceremony. He joined the Orange County Fire Authority in 1982 and worked his way up through the ranks, most recently serving as chief in Irvine.

Various elements of the Riverside job – a diverse community, urban and wild land firefighting opportunities, and special teams such as hazardous materials – attracted Moore “because it brings all of my experiences together, all of my 32 years working for a major metropolitan fire department,” he said.

Also, he and his wife live in neighboring Corona.

“This is home for me,” he said.

City officials and firefighters said they’re excited to have Moore in Riverside.

“What I think is real important is what he said about being able to mentor the department and keep us going in the same direction,” said Tim Vanderhorst, a second-generation firefighter whose father also worked for Riverside.

Things were a little rocky after retired Chief Steve Earley’s departure, but Esparza did “an outstanding job” getting the department through that time, Vanderhorst said.

Earley’s abrupt retirement in December caused a stir because he planned to return as a paid consultant – while drawing a pension – and mentor three potential successors. The city scrapped the plan after residents and the firefighters’ union raised concerns.

Moore said he will formally retire from the OCFA and collect his pension but plans to keep working for seven to 10 years.

“I’ve worked a full career and paid highly into the system,” he said, and now he’s bringing his experience to Riverside. “I still have a lot of years to give great service.”

Amid the sea of blue uniforms at the Fox theater – Riverside police and firefighters, and fire personnel from Corona, Ontario, Hemet, Orange County and elsewhere – were a few residents who wanted to meet the new chief.

One was Katie Greene, a member of The Group, a forum focusing on issues facing the city’s black community. She learned of the event that morning and dropped by with her brother.

“I loved the tone that he set (when he said) he likes to foster relationships,” Greene said, adding that she’s pleased to see an African American fire chief take the helm of the 127-year-old department.

“It’s history,” she said.



951-368-9461 or arobinson@pe.com
August 28, 2014